SIELE writing explained: format, tips and how to prepare

How SIELE writing works

The SIELE writing test (Expresión e interacción escritas) typically has two tasks of increasing difficulty — for example a short message and a longer text such as an email, a post or an opinion piece. You type your answers on a computer within a set time.

Because SIELE is CEFR-based and modular, you can sit the writing test as part of the full exam or in combination with other skills, and you receive a level rather than a simple pass/fail.

How SIELE differs from the DELE

SIELE is computer-based, adaptive in feel, and results come quickly (often within weeks). The DELE is paper-based, handwritten, offered on fixed dates, and gives a pass/fail diploma at a chosen level.

The writing skills you need are almost identical, so practising for one prepares you well for the other. The main adjustment for SIELE is getting comfortable typing in Spanish, including accents.

Tips to raise your SIELE writing score

Complete the task fully and stay on topic — task achievement carries a lot of weight. Cover every element the prompt asks for.

Show range safely: use a few varied connectors and structures you can control, rather than complex sentences that break down. Accuracy matters more than ambition.

Leave time to proofread. Typical quick wins are verb agreement, ser vs estar, por vs para, and missing accents (está, más, también).

Practise the way you'll be tested

Write timed answers to realistic prompts and get feedback on how they'd score. Escrito grades your Spanish writing against CEFR-aligned, exam-style criteria, explains each mistake and suggests a corrected version — so you can see your level move from A2 to B1 to B2. Start free with three checks, no card required.